What's Happening Now?

In March 2012, the community finalized the Rainier Beach Neighborhood Plan update including design concepts for future development near the light rail station. We are using that input to propose zoning changes needed to implement the community’s vision for the Rainier Beach station area. Our rezone proposal is tentatively scheduled to be submitted to City Council in Fall 2014.

Project Goals & Benefits

In 2012, the culturally and ethnically diverse Rainier Beach community created a vision to guide the future of their neighborhood:

Rainier Beach is rich with cultural and physical resources. It has a thriving and interconnected community that contains a rich mix of households including minority and immigrant residents. The community is supported by strong social and cultural institutions and services that provide stability during changing times. The neighborhood provides access to resources necessary for people to live a healthful life. The neighborhood’s parks, opens spaces, roads, and other physical assets are in good condition and provide for a healthy community.

The Rainier Beach Neighborhood Plan Update will help make the community’s vision a reality. Rainier Beach will become:

A place for everyone

A place for lifelong learning

A place for growing food to develop healthy industry

A beautiful, safe place

The community envisions a future where Rainier Beach mixes education into community life at all levels, and for all residents. As a result, the residents will be empowered to make sustainable and beneficial changes in their community.

The End Result

Neighborhood Plan Update — A plan to document the community’s vision for an enjoyable, affordable, and prosperous community, and the strategies for achieving it (completed March 2012)

Station Area Urban Design and Development Framework — A planning tool that guides the design and development of future buildings, streets, and public spaces in the light rail station area (under development)

Zoning and Land Use Amendments — Changes to the rules and regulations that control the land uses and shape the form of new development (under development)

Rainier Beach Moving Forward — A community partnership to implement recommendations and monitor progress of the plan (meets monthly)